Lech-Lecha Audio Classes

A five minute weekly Torah insight based on the wellsprings of Torah and Chassidut.

The difference between Mitzvah observance by our forefathers before the giving of the Torah and its performance by the Jews after G-d’s revelation at Mt. Sinai

Experience the gems of the Parshah with the classic commentaries, and a kabbalistic twist.

The Torah tells us close to nothing about Abraham up until the narrative of G-d instructing him – at age seventy-five – to leave his birthplace. But, why no mention of his greatness and past achievements?

A five minute weekly Torah thought based on the teachings of Chassidut.

An overview of the weekly Parshah, through the eyes of the many commentators, enriching your understanding of how our great history unfolded.

Examining the weekly Torah reading through the lens of contemporary commentary, showing how topical and relevant the parshah's ideas really are. Both mystical and pragmatic, this lesson will elevate your spirit and refine your view of the world around you.

G-d created the world out of kindness; Abraham was the embodiment of that kindness. Chassidut reveals the nature of Abraham's love and fear, and his relationship with Sarah, Yitzchak, Yishmael and Hagar.

The soul descends from heaven - a perfect environment to a lesser one. The objective is to reveal the nature of the soul itself, which can only be revealed away from that perfect place

An in depth look at the weekly Parshah based on the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

An in depth presentation of Chassidic teachings on the weekly Parshah.

Get a detailed overview of the weekly Torah portion sewn together with keen insights and timely life messages.

An advanced presentation of Chassidic teachings on the Parshah.

Have you ever met a Rabbi who could give you an inspiring message in just two minutes? Well, here it is….

How, when and if to speak up for what’s right, when the people who are acting improperly are your own family members.

Things do not always go according to our plans and expectations. In fact, they rarely do.

G‑d’s command to Abraham to leave his homeland (“lech lecha”) is spelled by repeating the same two letters twice. These double letters hint at a way to access infinity.

When Abraham feared that the Egyptians would kill him in order to take his wife, he asked her to pretend that she was his sister. We examine the meaning of the verse (Genesis 12:13), “Say that you are my sister, so that they will favor me.”

Rabbi Gordon shares inspirational Torah insights on the weekly Torah portion with practical life lessons.

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

A superficial reading of the biblical account of Abraham and Sarah’s episode in Egypt, where he tells her to say she’s his sister so they don’t kill him, is shrouded in mystery. Delve into the classical commentaries and discover the missing link in this fascinating narrative.

The portion of Lech-Lecha begins with G-d calling Abraham to his destiny. Strangely, in the glowing promises of the glorious future awaiting him, the Torah specifically mentions a name change. But why would modifying something as external as a name be such a big deal? This lecture reveals the true meaning of your Jewish name—as far more than a simple label for convenience. You'll discover why Abraham (and Sarah’s) names required modification and learn to appreciate the deeper meaning behind the incredible evolutionary process that produced the world's first Jews!

The parsha of Lech-Lecha contains 126 verses and the mnemonic are the words ‘nimolu’ (circumcised) and ‘machnadvay’. Explore the coded message in the mnemonic and its connection to the general themes of the parshah.

A fascinating exposé of the traditional chair universally designated for the Prophet Elijah at a Brit Milah ceremony. This lecture begins by fleshing out the spiritual character and impact engendered by sacred circumcision. We then proceed to peel away historical layers of deep meaning as we trace the surprising origins of the proverbial participation of Elijah a.k.a. the Covenantal Angel. Ultimately, you’ll see why all of this is as relevant as quantum physics, and makes all the difference today!

When G-d informs Abraham that the land of Israel belongs to him and his seed, G-d states that He has in fact already given them the land, and yet, on another occasion, G-d told Abraham that only in the future will He give the land to his offspring? In resolving this apparent contradiction, this class will explore the multi-layered relationship between the people and the land. (Likutei Sichos vol. 15)

Drawing on the extraordinary example of our first patriarch and matriarch, Mashi Lipskar shares insights and lessons for purposeful Jewish family life.

Responding to unspecified anxieties, G-d's word comes to Abraham: “Do not fear, I am your Shield.” The backstage narrative frames the divine statement as specific to concerns relating to unwanted violent and conflict. Yet, an array of rabbinic sources, as well as our daily prayer liturgy, casts this passage as anything but incidental. The introduction of related yet enigmatic Zoharic statements, viewed through the illuminating prism of Chasidic teaching, reconciles the seeming contradiction and reveals its deepest essence. This all becomes the foundation for practical spiritual wisdom that we can all use to make our good life's better!

When the Torah introduces us to a new person, it usually starts with the background. However, with Avraham we get no bio, no background. Just right off the start: Lech Lecha. This teaches us what makes a Jew a Jew. Not his learning; not his observance; not his achievements. What makes a Jew Jewish is the fact that G-d told Abraham, “Go to yourself, from your land…” It is the fact that G-d chose his/her soul to be in a unique covenant and relationship with Him. This week’s story reminds us of this idea that a Jew is a Jew is a Jew.

Judaism teaches us to value and optimize hard work. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 15 Lech-Lecha)

A journey through the weekly Torah portion briefly explaining the text in plain English—based on the commentary of Rashi.

A detailed analysis of the Torah status of the Patriarchs and the 12 Tribes. Were they merely in the category of Noahides with extra personal commitments or did they actually convert to be Jewish? Examining many pre-Sinai narratives, as well as the commentary of Rashi, as recorded in the manuscripts, sheds light on this query.